As the gentle waltz opens Mandy Moore's latest album, Amanda Leigh (Amanda Leigh is the singer's first and middle names, respectively), you know that Moore has shed her "candy-pop" image. Though, we know, she left that image behind with her last album Wild Hope, Moore solidifies her folk/country/singer-songwriter sound with ease, grace and style.
Her opener, "Merrimack River" ventures into country with the sweet sound of the steel guitar in the background but the lush string accompaniment and tight male vocal harmonies keep Moore in the folk/bluegrass area (which I would prefer). But, don't be fooled, "Fern Dell" - the second song on her CD - is a quick jump into a quasi-rock of Duncan Sheik quality. It's not totally rock, nor pop but uses the acoustic guitar as it's driving rhythmic force. It ends up being a bit theatrical, but never over-the-top.
This eclectic sounding CD runs the genre gamut by continuing this trend of "genre changing" with each song. "I Could Break Your Heart Any Day of the Week" is a upbeat, poppy, hand-clapping song that would be perfect for a post-breakup pick-me-up. (Especially if you were the dumpee.) Moore's vocals do stand-out in this song, but not in the way that I wanted - they seem a bit forced and over polished to digital perfection.
With a bit of 70's groove - the toy piano starts "Pocket Philosopher". With key changes, back-up vocals consisting of "ooh's and ah's", Moore's arrangement is kitschy at best. It's a definite throw-back to those good 'ole days of running through a poppy field with daisies in your hair. But for someone who never experienced those particular "good 'ole days" it's a bit of stretch to the ear.
I absolutely adore the vocals in "Song About Home" - the strongest effort yet on this album. Moore's capacity to jump between head and chest voice is effortless. The vocal quality is so lulling and easy to listen to. The bass clarinet (or possibly bassoon) is truly magnificent - take out the flutes, and it would be stunning.
My favorite of the album ended up being "Everblue". This genuine, sexy song does not end up being a throwback to an earlier era - it's truly original and ultimately the sound that I would have loved to hear throughout the entire album. (Not that the rest of the album isn't worth listening to, this just seems to come from a different place.) There's no gimmicks, extra orchestrations or over-produced vocals. If you end up just downloading one song, this one is it.
Right after this gem, Moore produces two 70's-inspired songs "Love to Love Me Back" and "Indian Summer". The latter, using the toy piano and back-up vocals again in the same quality as "Pocket Philosopher". The toy piano continues on in "Nothing Everything".
"Bug", the closing song on Amanda Leigh uses only acoustic guitar and violin with tight chorus-sounding back-up vocals. Again, it lands in the "original and genuine" place that Moore found with her opener, "Merrimack River" and "Everblue".
Amanda Leigh, overall, is a throwback to an earlier time but a successful throwback. Moore effectively adds a fresh perspective to her music - using Lori McKenna as her guide. It ends up being exciting and interesting. With a few minor tweaks in the arrangements I feel I could say that I would love this album. Arrangements aside, you'll want to check out Amanda Leigh when it drops on May 26th 2009.
Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Song to Download: "Everblue"
Download: "I Could Break Your Heart Any Day of the Week" (courtesy of Gain.com)
10 crazy comments:
Thanks for the review, I can't wait to hear it! I really enjoyed Mandy's last album "Wild Hope" and the single for this album is catchy. Way to go!
Great review! I am getting impatient now. I love "Coverage" and "Wild Hope" and for sure, I'll be loving this new record as well. :)
I don't understand. And please get back to me when you can... did the cd actually leak yet because how can you review the full cd if it didn't?
No leak! It was a streaming version JUST for the press to listen to and review.
I was able to hear the whole CD early, and was pleasantly surprised. I'm not a big fan of Mandy Moore, but this music is actually something I would listen to. I totally dig the bass clarinet, and the eerie circus music vibe I get from this CD.
Only songs I don't like are track #2 & #3, so out of 11 that's not bad.
My name is Catherine Haig-Patten sometimes known as BONJU PATTEN.
Moore did not give anyone credit on her new album. This means Mandy Moore is a worthless 4th string celebrity who should go with her desire to want to cook for the rest of her life. Her singing and her acting is not memorable and she will always be Mrs. Adams.
Also as it turns out Ms. Moore gave former boy-toy, Criss Angel the title of being soul-less. Unfortunately she is less so.
Who am I, you ask? I am the sister-in-law of the producer and photographer who did not get a mention or credit on this album.
I think Mandy Moore sucks wind.
Bonju Patten:
Maybe you should email Mandy directly to clear up any confusion/mistake.
8 out of 10? Really?
I am a firm believer that Mandy should really go away from the music industry. She's a teeny-bopper that was created from the start and every year comes out with more crap that she swears "is the real me". Oh brother. How many times is she going to get kicked off of labels before the public helps her move on to something else? I can tell you right now that reviews like this are not helping. But then again, you did listen to this on a special stream that was for the media only (my, aren't you special--time to give a good review ;-)
With so many good records out, it's a shame that someone with very little talent gets so much attention (then again, she did marry the cow a little while ago.)
Sorry if this sounds harsh, I just want her to GO AWAY, there are much better musicians out there.
Wow, isn't Anonymous rather bitter.
I'm happy you have your opinion but that's all it is, YOUR opinion. To me (and I hear a lot of albums every year), Moore has a lot more talent than a good portion of the fledgling indies out there. Yes, she was originally a teen star, but she has shed that with her last two albums. Both Wild Hope and Amanda Leigh, while not perfect, have a number of very nice tracks and it's good to see her coming into her own.
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